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Paul McCartney closed what was a spectacular opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics last night.

The Olympic opening ceremony, spearheaded by acclaimed director Danny Boyle, was a chronological celebration of all things British, from the pre-industrial era through to the digital age. Using a cast of thousands and an ever changing set, Boyle highlighted the ingenuity of those who led Britain’s industrial revolution (with Kenneth Branagh playing Brunel), the great children’s authors (including a recitation by J.K Rowling), the importance of the National Health Service, some of Britain’s most impressive sporting achievements, and a medley of British music spanning five decades and artists such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Jam, David Bowie, the Sex Pistols, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, the Happy Mondays, the Prodigy, Underworld, Amy Winehouse, and Tinie Tempah.

There was also time for humour, with the Queen making what must be her acting debut in a filmed sequence with Daniel Craig (as James Bond). This culminated in doubles for the pair parachuting out of a helicopter above the Olympic Stadium, before the real Queen, accompanied by Prince Philip, received a warm greeting from the crowd.

The Olympic flame made its final journey to the Stadium via a speedboat on the Thames, from which a smiling David Beckham passed it to Steve Redgrave. After much speculation about who would light the Olympic cauldron, it turned out to be seven young athletes who were nominated by British Olympic greats, including Steve Redgrave, Daley Thompson and Kelly Holmes. Moments before there had also been a moving appearance by Muhammad Ali, who was one of several dignitaries who escorted the Olympic flag into the Stadium.

With the cauldron burning, Paul McCartney brought the proceedings to a close with renditions of “The End” and the traditional show closer “Hey Jude”.

Among the other musicians who performed live were Mike Oldfield, Emile Sande, Dizzee Rascal, and the Arctic Monkeys. The Arctic Monkeys performed their number one hit “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor” and the Beatles classic “Come Together”.

The soundtrack to the event, titled “Isles Of Wonder: Music for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games,” is available to buy as a download now, and will be released on CD on August 2.

“Isles Of Wonder: Music for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games” – tracklist

CD 1

1. I Still Believe – Frank Turner
2. Jerusalem / Flower of Scotland / Danny Boy / Bread of Heaven – Four Nations Choirs
3. Nimrod – London Symphony Orchestra
4. And I Will Kiss – Underworld (feat. Dame Evelyn Glennie)
5. Tubular Bells / In Dulci Jubilo – Mike Oldfield
6. Chariots of Fire – London Symphony Orchestra
7. Sundowner – Blanck Mass & London Symphony Orchestra
8. Bonkers – Dizzee Rascal & Armand Van Helden
9. Nimma Nimma – A.R. Rahman (feat. Jaspreet Jasz)
10. Heaven – Emeli Sandé
11. Abide With Me – Emeli Sandé
12. I Bet You Look Good On the Dance Floor – Arctic Monkeys
13. Come Together – Arctic Monkeys
14. Caliban’s Dream – Underworld (feat. Dockhead Choir, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Only Men Aloud, Elizabeth Roberts, Alex Trimble).

CD 2

1. Galvanize (Beginning) – The Chemical Brothers
2. Moon Watcher – High Contrast
3. Always Loved a Film (Instrumental) – Underworld
4. Dark and Long (Dark Train) – Underworld
5. West End Girls – Pet Shop Boys
6. Minneapolis (High Contrast Remix) – Underworld
7. Reach – High Contrast
8. Ghost Dance – High Contrast
9. Confusion the Waitress (Darren Price & High Contrast Remix) – Underworld
10. Traktor (Radio Edit) – Wretch 32 (feat. L)
11. Olympians (High Contrast Remix) – F Buttons
12. Can’t Stop This Fire – High Contrast
13. Moon In Water (Instrumental) – Underworld
14. Crocodile (High Contrast Remix) – Underworld
15. Where the Streets Have No Name (High Contrast Remix) – U2
16. For Years – High Contrast
17. Dirty Epic (Darren Price & High Contrast Remix) – Underworld
18. The Long Way Home – High Contrast
19. Dark and Long (Darren Price & High Contrast Remix) – Underworld
20. Rez (High Contrast Remix) – Underworld
21. Heroes – David Bowie
22. Galvanize (Ending) – The Chemical Brothers.

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